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England head coach Brendon McCullum is unsure about his future but maintained that the Three Lions are not a ‘finished article’ with two Tests left in the Ashes against Australia.

This comes after England’s 3-0 drubbing in the Ashes series, despite two matches still remaining.

England were unable to put up a fight in the opening three matches, resulting in their fourth series loss down under since their 2011 triumph.

The head coach is unsure about his future ahead of the 2026 England summer, in which they will face New Zealand and Pakistan.

“I don’t know,” he said when questioned about his future with the Three Lions.  “It’s not really up to me, is it?

“I’ll just keep trying to do the job, try to learn the lessons that [we] haven’t quite got right here and try to make some adjustments. Those questions are for someone else, not for me,” he added.

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He emphasized the goals and fun that come with a bunch of England players, noting that he aims to bring out the best in them.

“It’s a pretty good gig. It’s good fun. You travel the world with the lads and try to play some exciting cricket and try to achieve some things … For me, it’s a matter of trying to just get the very best out of the people and try to achieve what you can with them.”

The 44-year-old mentioned the side’s progress since taking over and stressed that England should play the kind of cricket they have been known for over the past couple of years.

“Those other decisions are up to other people. But from my point of view, I’m enjoying the time that I’ve got with these guys, and I think we’ve made some progress from when I took over to where we are,” McCullum reiterated.

“We’re not the finished article, but I think we’ve definitely improved as a cricket team.

We’ve had an identity about us. Now’s the time for us in the last two Tests to really show that identity and try to salvage something from it,” the head coach concluded.

READ: Shadab powers Sydney Thunder to first win of BBL 15

CANBERRA: Shadab Khan’s decisive four-over spell and Matthew Gilkes gutsy knock propelled Sydney Thunder to a 34-run victory over Brisbane Heat in the ninth fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Manuka Oval on Monday.

Set 194, Heat fell short and could only score 159 for six at the end of their 20 overs.

Matt Renshaw, who scored a century in his previous outing, remained the top-scorer for Heat with 43 runs to his name. The left-hander hit four boundaries and a six in his 28-ball knock.

Colin Munro and Jack Wildermuth started positively in the chase, adding 37 in 4.4 overs before Shadab Khan removed both batters in an over to halt their proceedings.

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Munro was caught for 18 while Wildermuth could not get going after making 15.

As a result, Brisbane Heat were 38-2 in 5 overs as Matt Renshaw and Hugh Weibgen paired up and launched a recovery.

The duo’s 70-run partnership off 47 balls took the score over the 100-run mark and brought Sydney Thunder back in the game.

However, the protagonist Shadab was again in the moment, who cleaned up Renshaw to give Sydney Thunder a breakthrough. Soon after, Weibgen followed him and was bowled by Daniel Sams for 30.

Consequently, Heat slumped to 108-3 to 115-4 in 14.3 overs.

With the required run-rate creeping up, Thunder mounted pressure with economical bowling and quick wickets, which put Heat out of the game.

The right-arm leg-spinner Shadab again proved beneficial with his 17th over, which yielded only 2 runs and a wicket, leaving the equation at 62 off 18 balls.

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In the end, the target proved too much and handed Sydney Thunder their first win of the season.

For Sydney Thunder, Shadab Khan took a four-wicket haul, whereas Daniel Sams managed to pick two.

Earlier, Brisbane Heat invited Thunder to bat first, a decision they capitalized on as they racked up 193-4 at the end of their innings.

Sam Konstas and Matthew Gilkes remained the cornerstone of a solid foundation, both putting up 127 in 13.2 overs on the board.

Konstas hit eight fours in his 45-ball 63, while Gilkes’ 76 off 48 included four boundaries and three sixes.

The solid foundation was enough for a big total as Sam Billings provided the Thunder innings impetus with a quick-fire 25 off 11 balls, laced with two sixes and two fours.

For Brisbane Heat, Jack Wildermuth managed to scalp two wickets in his quota of four overs.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup heroes receive grand welcome after crushing India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Under-19 cricket team received a hero’s welcome and a generous cash reward from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following their historic victory over India to claim the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025.

The young Green Shirts clinched the ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a mammoth 348-run target by bundling out India for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a commanding 191-run win.

On Monday, the Prime Minister hosted a luncheon in honour of the victorious squad, personally congratulating the players and management for their remarkable achievement.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with several federal ministers, also attended the event.

Shehbaz Sharif announced a cash reward of Rs 10 million for each player in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Speaking after the event, former national captain and Pakistan U19 mentor Sarfaraz Ahmed reiterated the Prime Minister’s announcement and praised the team’s efforts.

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“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud,” he said.

Sarfaraz also highlighted the individual brilliance in the final, singling out Ahmed Hussain for a gutsy 56 off 72 balls, while Sameer Minhas top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries, including 17 fours and nine sixes.

Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar also praised the preparation behind the triumph.

He revealed that a talent hunt starting June 17 involved seventy players undergoing trials, with each given four matches to impress selectors before being invited to the final camp.

The ten-day camp in Karachi featured guidance from former cricketers who helped refine the squad’s skills.

“Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar stated, summarising the team’s dedication and focus.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed slams India’s conduct in U19 Asia Cup final

Pakistan Under-19 cricket team mentor and former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has criticized India’s conduct during the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025 final, calling it “unethical” while praising his young squad for a historic and dominant victory.

The boys in green clinched their maiden ACC U19 Asia Cup title emphatically, defending a massive 348-run target by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs, sealing a 191-run win.

Speaking at a media conference after reaching Pakistan, Sarfaraz did not hold back on India’s behavior during the final.

“India’s behavior regarding the game was not good, and the Indian team’s conduct in cricket was unethical,” he said.

“But we celebrated the victory with sportsmanship, because there should always be sportsmanship in cricket; what India did is their own action.”

The 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain also revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a cash reward of Rs10 million for each squad member in recognition of their historic achievement.

“The Prime Minister has announced a reward of Rs 10 million for each player, and in the future, these young players will make the country proud,” Sarfaraz added.

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He lauded the team for their exceptional performance, singling out middle-order batter Ahmed Hussain for his gutsy 56 off 72 balls, alongside Sameer Minhas, who top-scored with a sensational 172 off 113 deliveries.

“Ahmed Hussain’s innings was as important as Sameer Minhas’,” Sarfaraz said, highlighting the collective effort that propelled Pakistan to victory.

Pakistan U19 head coach Shahid Anwar also praised the preparation behind the triumph.

He revealed that a talent hunt starting June 17 involved seventy players undergoing trials, with each given four matches to impress selectors before being invited to the final camp.

The ten-day camp in Karachi featured guidance from former cricketers who helped refine the squad’s skills.

“Our goal upon leaving the country was clear: to win the trophy and, more importantly, to win the hearts of cricket fans,” Anwar stated, summarising the team’s dedication and focus.

WATCH: Pakistan’s U19 Asia Cup heroes receive grand welcome after crushing India

LAHORE: The Pakistan Under-19 team was accorded a hero’s welcome on its return home after lifting the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2025, capped by a dominant victory over arch-rivals India in the final on Sunday.

In a video shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on its official social media platforms, players and members of the coaching staff were seen being received with bouquets amid applause and celebrations.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed led the reception, personally congratulating the youngsters on a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s age-group cricket.

Fans also turned up to greet the champions, showering rose petals and interacting with the players as the squad celebrated Pakistan’s maiden ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup title.

Pakistan’s triumph was built on a commanding all-round performance in the final, where they successfully defended a mammoth total of 348 by bowling India out for just 156 in 26.2 overs to seal a resounding 191-run win.

Ali Raza led the bowling attack with figures of 4 for 42 in 6.2 overs, while Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Sayyam and Huzaifa Ahsan provided excellent support, claiming two wickets each.

Earlier, the Pakistan U19 team laid the foundation for their emphatic win with a formidable batting display after India opted to field first.

Opener Sameer Minhas took control of the innings, adding 92 runs for the second wicket with Usman Khan, who scored a composed 35 off 45 balls.

The right-hander then went on to stitch a match-defining 137-run partnership for the third wicket with Ahmed Hussain, who contributed a well-paced 56.

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Minhas later combined with captain Farhan Yousaf for another crucial stand before being dismissed on the penultimate ball of the 43rd over.

He finished with a magnificent 172 off 113 balls, an innings decorated with 17 fours and nine sixes, setting a new benchmark in the tournament final.

Later, unbeaten cameos from Mohammad Sayyam (13) and Niqab Shafiq (12) ensured the total rose to an imposing 347 for eight.

For India, Deepesh Devendran picked up three wickets despite conceding 83 runs, while Henil Patel and Khilan Patel took two apiece.

READ: Hosts Morocco off to winning start at Africa Cup of Nations

RABAT: Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi scored second-half goals as hosts Morocco got their Africa Cup of Nations bid off to a winning start by beating minnows Comoros 2-0 in the tournament’s opening game on Sunday.

Soufiane Rahimi had a penalty saved in a frustrating first half for much-fancied Morocco, but Diaz fired home from inside the area 10 minutes after the interval at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Substitute El Kaabi then got the second with a stunning overhead kick, and the victory on a wet and cold night sets the Atlas Lions up for the potentially tougher tests to come in Group A against Mali and Zambia.

The result also allowed Morocco, Africa’s best team in the FIFA rankings in 11th place, to extend their world-record winning run to 19 consecutive matches.

The game was played out before a crowd of 60,180, with Moroccan Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, who appeared on the pitch ahead of kick-off, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino among those in attendance.

Morocco’s star man and captain Achraf Hakimi also ended up watching the entire game from the bench, with Regragui preserving the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, who has not played since suffering an ankle injury with his club at the start of November.

It looked set to be a long night for Comoros when Morocco won a penalty in the 10th minute as playmaker Diaz was tripped inside the box by Iyad Mohamed.

But Rahimi’s spot-kick was kept out by the legs of Yannick Pandor as the Comoros goalkeeper dived to his right, and the visitors then succeeded in thwarting their more illustrious hosts for the remainder of the first half.

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However, Morocco, who also saw veteran centre-back Romain Saiss come off injured early on, succeeded in breaking down their opponents after half-time.

Comoros, the tiny Indian Ocean archipelago who are 108th in the world rankings, had their resistance ended as the opening goal arrived on 55 minutes.

Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui, starting at right-back with Hakimi not yet quite fully fit, picked up the ball on the right side of the penalty area and squared for Real Madrid’s Spanish-born number 10 Diaz to score.

Morocco, who had seen Neil El Aynaoui almost break the deadlock just before that, then saw space open up, although Comoros had a chance of their own as Rafiki Said was denied when clean through on goal.

Mazraoui forced a good save from Pandor before El Kaabi, of Greek giants Olympiakos, lit up the occasion by meeting a cross in from the left by Anass Salah-Eddine with a magnificent overhead bicycle kick to make it 2-0.

Morocco’s next game will be on Friday against Mali, who begin their campaign by taking on Zambia in Casablanca on Monday.

Elsewhere on Monday, South Africa face Angola in Marrakesh before Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, the record seven-time African champions chasing a first title since 2010, get their bid up and running against outsiders Zimbabwe in Agadir in Group B.

This latest edition of the Cup of Nations is the first to start in one year and end in another, with the final to take place in Rabat on January 18.

READ: Brendon McCullum admits errors in Ashes preparations

Coach Brendon McCullum concedes England got their preparations wrong heading into the Ashes, but believes they can salvage some pride in the final two Tests against Australia at Melbourne and Sydney.

The tourists arrived in Australia bullish that they could win a series in the country for the first time since 2010-11.

But their hopes imploded with heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane before a closer contest at Adelaide, leaving the ultra-aggressive “Bazball” style of cricket McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes pioneered in tatters.

Their Ashes demise in just 11 days was the joint-second quickest in more than a century.

England had just one warm-up fixture in Australia, against their second-tier Lions side, and lost the opening Test in Perth inside two days.

Former captains Ian Botham, Michael Vaughan and Graham Gooch all criticised the limited preparation, with disgruntled skipper Ben Stokes sparking a backlash after calling them “has beens”.

They then opted to skip a pink-ball opportunity in Canberra before the day-night second Test at the Gabba, instead spending five days in the Brisbane nets.

Like Perth, that Test was lost by eight wickets and McCullum bizarrely claimed they had “overprepared”.

“What did we get right? What did we get wrong? Probably we go back to the preparation, that’ll be something that gets questioned,” McCullum told TNT Sports after the 82-run Adelaide defeat.

“And when you’ve lost 3-0, you need to put your hand up and say, ‘maybe I didn’t get that preparation right’.

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“It’s not just leading into the first game. It’s could we have done more leading into game one, and could we have done less leading into game two?

“I didn’t get that right because we lost 3-0. Lots to digest, look through and be better next time.”

The fourth Test starts in Melbourne on December 26, and England could freshen up the side.

An under-performing Ollie Pope is facing the axe with Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings, but their options are limited, and Brendon McCullum said they would not be looking outside the squad they have.

“We’ll have a look at the conditions (in Melbourne) and, as we always do, we’ll try and work out what we think will give us the best chance in that game,” he said.

“If that’s changed, it’s changed. If it’s not, it’s not. We’ll assess that when we get to Melbourne.”

England at least showed more fight in Adelaide as they chased what would have been a world record 435 to win.

McCullum admitted they had been outplayed across all three Tests, but said he saw encouraging signs in Adelaide and “we do have a great opportunity in the next two Tests”.

“We need to find something out of this tour, salvage some pride and play for all the people who have come to Australia to support this team and all the people back in England who have supported this team as well,” he said.

“If we get into that state where we just play the game and immerse yourself in the state of what needs to be done and allow your talent to come out in pressure situations, then you’ve got every opportunity.”

READ: Duffy prompts West Indies collapse as New Zealand win series

MOUNT MAUNGANUI: New Zealand crushed West Indies by 323 runs on Monday to win the third Test and seal a 2-0 series victory, with Jacob Duffy taking a crucial five-wicket haul.

The hosts set a target of 462 and bowled out the tourists for 138, wrapping up the innings four overs after tea following a dramatic collapse either side of lunch.

Duffy finished with 5-42 and was backed up by Ajaz Patel, who claimed 3-23, while opener Brandon King top-scored for West Indies with 67.

New Zealand’s Devon Conway scored 227 and 100 in two innings, while captain Tom Latham scored 137 and 101, the first opening pair in first-class cricket history to score twin centuries in the same match, to set up the win.

The series began with a draw in Christchurch, before New Zealand won the second Test in Wellington.

Seamer Duffy and spinner Patel posed constant danger to both edges of the bat on a cracked surface that offered uneven movement and bounce.

West Indies collapsed from 87-0 to 112-8 either side of lunch after starting the day on 43-0.

King dominated early, hitting a flurry of cuts and drives and scoring 53 of his team’s first 59 runs.

New Zealand captain Latham’s field placements had lacked aggression, but that changed after the drinks break when Duffy broke the opening stand, with King gloving a rising delivery to Glenn Phillips at gully.

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Patel struck in the next over, removing John Campbell for 16 after a rash attempt to slog down the ground. Phillips took another good catch in the deep.

Patel soon claimed another, with first-innings centurion Kavem Hodge falling for a duck.

Duffy then dismissed Alick Athanaze for two and Justin Greaves for nought in successive overs, leaving the West Indies reeling.

He struck again two overs later, with Alick Athanaze edging to keeper Tom Blundell for 2, before removing Justin Greaves for nought with an edge to Daryl Mitchell at slip.

Duffy then had Roston Chase caught off the gloves by Latham at slip for five, capping a miserable series for the West Indies captain.

Chase scored just 42 runs at an average of seven in three matches, the second-worst figures for a captain dismissed six or more times in a Test series.

Patel claimed Shai Hope’s wicket for three from 78 balls after a controversial lbw review. Hope did not offer a shot, but the ball was deemed to be hitting his foot on the full and going on to hit the stumps.

Phillips then took his first wicket of the match by bowling Kemar Roach, who was nursing a hamstring strain.

Rachin Ravindra was introduced in the final session and snared Anderson Phillip’s wicket with an lbw, before Duffy wrapped up the innings by bowling Jayden Seales.

READ: PCB chief announces prize money for Pakistan U19 team: sources

DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has announced hefty cash prizes for the national U19 team after they lifted the ACC Men’s Asia Cup title here on Sunday.

According to sources, Naqvi has decided to award each winning team member a cash prize of PKR 5 million in a meeting held with the players.

Moreover, the chairman has also vowed to give emerging national cricketers the best possible treatment after a dominant performance against India in the final.

In a conversation with Sameer Minhas, the PCB Chairman also made an individual announcement for him.” Sources.

“You are all warriors. You have raised Pakistan’s name with pride,” he said to the players. “Sameer Minhas, you are our pride. You delivered an outstanding performance,” sources quoted Naqvi’s statement.

Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi expressed his thoughts after the final in a post on ‘X’, praising the team for delivering an outstanding performance.

“What a show! Proud to be handing over the ACC U19 Cup to our brilliant Pakistan U19 team. Fearless cricket, unmatched spirit, and a performance to remember,” he wrote.

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Mohsin Naqvi lavished praise on Sameer Minhas for playing a decisive knock under pressure against India.

“Special mention for Sameer—calm under pressure and outstanding on the big stage. This team makes the nation proud and the future of Pakistan cricket shine bright,” he added.

For the unversed, Pakistan outplayed India in the final by 191 runs, with Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza delivering commanding performances.

Set a daunting 348, the Indian batting lineup faltered under pressure and were skittled for only 156 in 26.3 overs.

For Pakistan, Ali Raza took a four-wicket haul while Huzaifa Ahsan, Abdul Subhan, and Mohammad Sayyam contributed with two wickets each.

READ: Babar Azam, cricketing fraternity laud Pakistan U19 triumph

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has extended the submission deadline for bids of two new teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), sources said.

According to the sources, the deadline, previously set for December 22, has been extended to December 24 for the second time due to the two bank holidays and at the request of the bidding parties.

According to sources, the deadline, previously set for December 22, has been extended to December 24 for the second time due to two bank holidays and at the request of the bidding parties.

Sources privy to the matter further told that the deadline for submitting proposals for two new PSL outfits will now be till 4:00 pm on December 24.

Meanwhile, the technically qualified bidders for the new PSL franchises will be announced on December 27, while the bidding for the teams will be held in an open auction on January 8.

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It is pertinent to mention that on 12 Dec, the cricket board extended the deadline for new teams, citing growing interest.

“Witnessing growing interest from the Europe, USA, the Middle East and beyond in acquiring new HBL PSL teams, we have decided to extend the bid submission deadline by one week to 22 December 2025,” Mohsin Naqvi had said in X post.

“Good luck to everyone, excited to welcome our new franchise owners to the HBL PSL family,” the post added.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Super League, which began in 2016 with five outfits, is set to expand with the addition of two new teams.

Notably, the league expanded to five teams in 2018 with the addition of Multan Sultans.

With the addition of two new teams, the league will undergo its first major restructuring in seven years, taking the total to eight teams.

READ: Babar Azam, cricketing fraternity laud Pakistan U19 triumph